Cyprus: A Mediterranean Jewel

Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans colonized this 140-mile-long island called "Kypros" or Cyprus. It was one of Marc Anthony's gifts to Cleopatra. The Byzantine Empire ruled the island from 395 AD until 1191, when Richard the Lionheart (yes, the same one from Robin Hood ) took it, making it a Crusader's haven.

Later, the Venetians invaded and rang in the capitol, Nicosia with arrow-shaped bastions. Then the Turks came and ruled for more than three centuries, when finally the Brits took over and administered the island from 1878 until 1960.

As you can tell, this tiny island in the Mediterranean saw more than its fair share of war and invading armies. However, it is because of all these foreign invaders that Cyprus has become a cosmopolitan jewel in a vast sea.

zest for life

The spirit of the people of Cyprus is undeniably free. Cypriots are warm, hearty, and hospitable people who, on occasion, invite total strangers to share a "metrios," or black coffee with them while eating some "halloumi" (grilled cheese) and olives on the porch.

English is widely spoken in the big cities; therefore you don't have to worry about any language barriers. Cypriots also appreciate when foreigners try their best to speak Greek (or Turkish, depending on which part of the island you visit). You will usually receive a friendly greeting of "kalimera" (good morning) or "kalispera" (good evening) when you pass them by.

The food of Cyprus is exceptionally simple, yet tasty. The Cypriot mothers cook enough for a whole army, while only a handful of people have been invited for dinner. For the Cypriot, the amount of food present on the table shows the amount of happiness they share with their friends and family. Hospitality is never short of hand on the island. And this is what makes this place so memorable.